The 2026 Bluff Oyster & Seafood Festival on Saturday 23 May could be the last! Unless this year's event attracts a capacity crowd there may be no option but to wind up the event say's Festival Chairman, John Edminstin. Edminstin says, "a range of factors

Southern councils have three months to come up with their own amalgamation plans or face government-imposed changes, ministers announced Tuesday. Local Government Minister Simon Watts and RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop delivered the ultimatum, abandoning their previous approach of government-led Combined Territories Boards in favour of voluntary council groupings. "

Environment Southland has appointed Stephen Hall as its new Chief Executive, with the regional council veteran set to start on July 20. Hall brings more than 25 years of experience in resource management and regional councils to the role, including time at Bay of Plenty Regional Council and executive positions

Police are asking Southland residents to check their rural properties as the search continues for missing Kapuka farmer Kevin Belling. Belling disappeared from his Motu Rimu farm in Kapuka on January 9, sparking an extensive search operation involving Land Search and Rescue teams. Detective Sergeant John Kean said police have

Workers at the Tiwai Point aluminium smelter will begin industrial action on Monday after bargaining talks with Rio Tinto broke down. Around 185 E tū union members are set to take action on May 4, 6, 8, and 10 following months of unsuccessful negotiations that began in 2024. E tū

Skilled plumbers and drainlayers will soon be able to sign off their own work under an expanded government scheme designed to speed up building projects and reduce costs. Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk announced the Self-certification by Plumbers and Drainlayers Bill will cover more residential work and some commercial

Update: Now Open. State Highway 6 north of Invercargill has been closed tonight after a three-vehicle crash left several people injured. The Winton-Lorneville Highway is blocked in both directions at Makarewa between Orion Road East and Flora Road East following the incident, which was reported around 6.40pm. Ambulance services

Congestion will no longer be a problem at Autoplex now that its car parking redevelopment is almost complete. The business is in the final stages of its car parking upgrade and ready to sign off an extra 10 car parking spaces, to cater for ongoing growth. Owner Daniel Blain has